Have you heard of The Judicial Proceedings Reports Act?
It was introduced in February, in Victoria, Australia...and all very hush hush...
The Con-ora debacle helped, I'm sure. The compliant sheep were distracted.
This new 'law'?
To silence all sexual assault victims whose offenders have been found guilty.
This new 'law' bans the victims from ever speaking out using their real identities.
These ‘gag laws’ have been described as a “major victory” for convicted pedophiles and rapists.
Their victims are now prevented - legally - - from self-identifying in publications.
No media, No autobiographies.
The victims cannot use their OWN identity!
This 'law' is also not time relevant.
i.e. irrespective of when the crime occurred - weeks, months, or even years ago, the 'law' still stands..
This means that Victoria's rape and pedophile victims - can no longer lawfully tell of their experiences in the past and are now legally censored.
These individuals (the fucking victims!), will now potentially face jail time if they use their OWN names.
Breaking this the new 'law' could find you facing up to to four months jail - and fines in excess of $3000! - For speaking the truth!
Media outlets complicit in also telling the truth, could face potential prosecution and fines of over $8000.
The only way for a survivor to reclaim the right to self-identify in public is to take the matter to court.
You can obtain a court order, but this is an expensive process - and could cost each victim over $10,000!
This can be seen as double edged sword - if you have no moral compass and the ethics of a lefty. (i.e media intrusion into victims lives, regardless of their feelings).
With that being said - the victim of these crimes needs to be in control in regards to 'outing themselves'.
The offenders - and the media's voyeuristic addiction for sensationalism, needs to put back in it's box where they both belong.
What kind of society allows the victims -legally - to become the victims once agian?
Victims of the legal system.
I used to think sunglasses were worn in to protect the eyes from the sun, now I'm starting to realize it may be for different reason entirely.
People full of shame hate to be looked at, in the eyes.
It reminds them of who they are.
The LetUsSpeak campaign is launching in Victoria to call on the government to reform the gag law and a GoFundMe has also been launched to help support Victorian survivors cover court costs.